Chapter 157
Despite how much Gideon despised Cedric, he still maintained basic courtesy. A cold smile tugged at his lips. "Thanks for your concern for my company. Since I'm here, naturally, I've handled all company matters. Besides..."
His gaze shifted to Josephine, suddenly softening. "Nothing is more important than Jojo."
Josephine didn't want to hear these syrupy words, especially in front of Cedric. A strange awkwardness crept over her. "Why did you come back?"
Cedric walked up to her and casually brushed away a willow catkin that had somehow landed on her forehead. The gesture was practiced and natural.
Josephine didn't object or pull away. Seeing the catkin on his fingertip, she laughed awkwardly. "No wonder it felt itchy."
Gideon's breath caught.
Cedric rolled the bit of fluff between his fingers, chuckling softly. "I was going to leave, but realized I left my phone at your place."
Understanding dawned on Josephine's face. "Wait here, I'll get it for you."
Just as she turned, Preston hurried out, holding Cedric's phone.
"Good thing you didn't leave. Your phone kept ringing—I figured it might be important. Jojo wasn't back yet, so I had to bring it down myself. What are you doing here?" Preston's expression had been pleasant enough until he spotted Gideon. His face turned cold in an instant.
The transformation was lightning-fast and caught everyone off guard.
The stark contrast in Preston's attitude toward Cedric versus Gideon was impossible to miss. Discomfort churned in Gideon's chest, though his face betrayed nothing. "I came to visit you and Mom today. Brought some gifts. Also wanted to discuss some matters with Jojo."
The mention of gifts made Preston want to throw him out immediately—preferably with the gifts too.
But then he mentioned discussing matters with Josephine... What could the two of them possibly have to discuss now? Probably just divorce.
That was legitimate business.
Preston shot him a glance without further comment, handed the phone to Cedric, then added extra instructions to Josephine. "Come home as soon as you're done talking."
Josephine nodded, watching her father head back inside before turning to Cedric. "You should answer your call."
The ringtone was pleasant enough, but constant ringing quickly became grating.
Cedric glanced at the phone and simply hung up. "I'll pick you up for work tomorrow morning."
Josephine froze.
Usually, they each went their separate ways. Why today of all days...
Gideon's expression darkened.
Cedric's voice lowered. "Eight AM tomorrow. I'll wait for you here."
Josephine instinctively glanced at Gideon. Seeing his expression, sudden understanding struck. Cedric was helping her out.
Making Gideon miserable? She was happy to oblige. "Okay."
This time, Cedric really did leave.
Josephine also prepared to turn away. Gideon's gaze bore into her retreating back, his voice heavy. "I'll find proof that Cedric is using you. I'll make you understand—only I truly love you."
Josephine continued walking without looking back.
That word—love—coming from his mouth was deeply ironic.
When Josephine reached her front door, she found Preston there. How long he'd been waiting, she didn't know, but he'd lit a cigarette.
Josephine hated the smell of smoke. Without a word, she snatched the cigarette away.
Preston startled, then sighed helplessly. "You're just like your mother now."
"So you snuck out here to smoke just to avoid Mom." Josephine stubbed out the cigarette and tossed it in the trash. "I thought you quit."
Preston ran his hand through his hair, not answering the question. "Perfect timing that you're back. Your mom keeps going on about how you've gotten thinner lately. She made all sorts of good food for you..."
Josephine stared at her father's back—still broad, but no longer as straight. Yet in her childhood memories, Dad had been tall and powerful, as if even if the sky fell, she needn't be afraid.
Because Dad would shoulder everything for her.
Now, for the first time, she recognized something: Her father might not be old yet, but he was no longer as robust as he'd been in his twenties.
Josephine wrapped her arms around Preston from behind.
Preston froze, wanting to turn, but his daughter held him firmly, unable to move.
"What's wrong? Did those two punks bully you?" His voice filled with alarm.
All these years, he could remain calm and collected with people and matters alike, even when he'd given up his art to live as an ordinary man.
But the one thing he absolutely couldn't tolerate was anyone bullying his wife or daughter.
Josephine shook her head, not daring to let her father see her tears. Her voice came out soft. "I've made you worry."
Preston fell silent for a long moment before laughing. "It's not about you. I just wanted to smoke."
Josephine didn't believe him. "You did it for me. You're worried about my divorce."
Like father, like daughter—Preston understood Josephine, and Josephine equally understood her father. Hearing this, Preston sighed, knowing he couldn't hide it. He simply came clean. "Yes. That bastard keeps stringing you along because he clearly hasn't given up."
Josephine's eyes dropped. After a moment, her resolve hardened. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll be divorced very soon."
Preston ruffled her hair. "You've grown up, but remember—we'll always be your support."
"Okay." Josephine lowered her head, holding back tears.
She couldn't let her parents worry about her anymore. Some things needed to be resolved.
That afternoon, sunlight streamed through the windows into the coffee shop. The place wasn't too crowded, customers scattered here and there. Soothing piano music drifted through the air.
Josephine held a cup of coffee, taking a sip. From the corner of her eye, she saw someone sit down.
"Ms. Kennedy, hello."
Josephine looked up. The man across from her appeared young, dressed in a black suit, briefcase in hand—very professional-looking.
He wore glasses that gave him a scholarly air, but Josephine caught the sharp gleam behind those lenses.
"Mr. Williams."
Josephine extended her hand to shake Darren's.
Darren was The Getty Group's star attorney—exceptionally capable, but he'd been abroad recently, which was why Josephine's previous lawyer hadn't been him.
"Mr. Cedric Getty filled me in." Darren withdrew his hand and adjusted his glasses. "I've thoroughly reviewed your case. I believe if you want a divorce, you'll need to give up certain things. Clinging to them will prevent a clean break."
His words cut straight to the point.
Josephine looked down at her coffee. "But those intellectual property rights are the fruit of my labor."
Her divorce had dragged on not just because of Gideon's delays, but also Josephine's own hesitation. She'd been trying to figure out how to reclaim those intellectual property rights that belonged to her before the divorce.
Darren's response was merciless. "Ms. Kennedy, you donated those rights to Starlight Group free of charge under the Luna identity. Getting them back now is virtually impossible. Moreover, if you expose your identity before the divorce, it could bring unexpected complications. For instance, will Mr. Gideon Getty willingly let you go? His mother certainly won't let it slide either."
Bottom line: Fixating on the property rights now would do more harm than good.
Josephine knew he was right. After a moment's consideration, she finally made her decision. "You're right. Divorce first."
As for the property rights, she could figure out ways to reclaim them gradually.